Littlest one of three is off to school - need advice on an alternative to full time nanny

[wincompoop]

Hi,

I am new to Mumsnet so appologies for any clumsiness.
We have three boys 9,7,4 and little one is starting school next week.
We have had nannies for the last 6 years (and the cost has been killing us). We dont need this now as they will all be at school 9.00-3.00
We both have some flex in our working hours.
But we need reliable childcare to do pick ups and maybe some drop offs.
And we want to cover school holidays. Ideally in our home.

I know this is probably not an uncommon wishlist - but it is probably hard to find the right care.

Please can anyone offer advice or share experience on how they approached this?

Many thanks

I've struggled with this one so can't help but will be interested in others suggestions.
We've tried flexi working - which didn't give enough cover for hols/sick DCs.
Nanny housekeeper - not enough of a nanny for the youngest or no good at housekeeping so better with a nanny and cleaner. (But back to £££££.)
No family in England - might have been ok if we had.......
Now considering a move to an au pair but worry that they seldom last for more than 6-12months and such frequent changes would be too much for youngest DC (and me with recruiting!)
Good luck!

A mothers help
Some one either young that what to get into child care but not much experanice
Or grandma type had own family
They will house work pick up drop off what ever you want really
And pay what ever you want.

We have similar needs and moved from a full-time nanny to an au pair last year. The au pair has been the perfect solution for us. Twenty-five hours a week, a bit of light cleaning, a babysitter on tap and flexibility in holidays. We have also really enjoyed hosting a young person and welcoming them into our family. Its true most au pairs want to stay one academic year but recruiting isn't that hard and if you have a good relationship they stay in touch which helps the transition.